Ovulation, the star of the show!

In PCOS, sometimes ovulation can be delayed, or absent. If ovulation is absent during one cycle, remember, that does not mean that you never ovulate.

So, how can you track ovulation? Well, by charting your cervical fluid, luteinizing hormone and basal body temperature not only can you track ovulation but you will also get an insight into hormonal activity throughout your cycle. Click here to learn more.

Before I explain the charts below, I would like to explain the colours used. In FEMM (a type of fertility awareness method) we use different colours to record hormonal activity:

Menstrual flow (red) - this is the first day of full flow, not spotting.

EL (Light blue) - rising estrogen - this can be described as rubbery, lotion-like, white, creamy, or it can be noted when you feel a moist sensation at the vulva.

ES (Dark blue) - high estrogen - this can be described as: slippery, lubricative, clear or stretchy, it can also be noted when you feel a slippery sensation at the vulva.

G (Grey) - progesterone - this can be described as dry or baseline, it can also be noted when you feel a dry or rough sensation at the vulva.

Yellow - unfamiliar observation - this can be noted when you are unsure of your observation.

The colours help give an 'at a glance view'

Here are three sample charts:

1. In the first chart, you can see a regular cycle that is 32 days long. There is a build up of estrogen (noted in light & dark blue), a surge of luteinizing hormone (LH) and a consistent rise in temperature. All of these things combined show that ovulation was achieved. Along with this we can see the length of the luteal phase, which in this cycle is a healthy 14 days.

2. The second chart you can see a cycle that is 37 days long and shows delayed ovulation. This type of cycle is commonly seen in those with PCOS. There can be multiple days of estrogenic cervical fluid, without a surge of luteinizing hormone to follow, this means that ovulation hasn't occurred yet. Finally, later in the cycle, a steady rise in estrogen can be observed, followed by peak estrogen levels, which then causes a surge of luteinizing hormone and a consistent rise in temperature. Again, all of these combined show ovulation was achieved. The luteal phase is also healthy in this cycle at 12 days.

3. The last chart on the image shows a cycle without ovulation. We can see a pattern of falling and rising estrogen, which is not followed by a surge of luteinizing hormone or a rise in temperature, this means that ovulation has not occurred. As ovulation did not occur there is no luteal phase. The bleed that follows this type of cycle is called a break through bleed.

There are so many hidden messages to be found from charting menstrual cycles.

Ailish 🌻